Treatment for Alzheimer's Disease

Early detection and treatment for Alzheimer's disease can greatly extend the life and improve the well-being of individuals with the disease. This can be done through both medications and therapies. Find out what options for Alzheimer's treatment are currently available below.

Alzheimer's Treatment and Medications

There is no cure for Alzheimer's disease.^[1] Currently, treatment is focused on helping people maintain mental function, managing behavioral issues, and slowing the progression of disease. Researchers are looking at treatment that addresses the causes of symptoms. They are studying treatments for disease of the blood vessels of the brain, as well as antioxidants, training to improve thinking, physical activity and vaccinations.

Currently, there are four drugs approved for Alzheimer's disease. They do not stop or cure the disease but help with the chemical signals within the brain. Drugs for moderate Alzheimer's disease include Donepezil (Aricept®), Rivastigmine (Exelon®), Galantamine (Razadyne®). Donepezil can be used to treat severe Alzheimer's disease too. Memantine (Namenda®) is used to treat moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease.

Other medicines may be used to treat behavioral problems such as sleeplessness, agitation, wandering, anxiety, anger and depression.^[1]